The Institute of Economic Affairs, Ghana (IEA), suggests recruiting expert managers, regardless of origin, to oversee the management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) under state ownership due to inefficiencies in its current management.
According to the IEA, these expert managers should possess the necessary capabilities and can be sourced locally or internationally, without political interference, to effectively address Ghana’s power crisis.
Speaking at a media conference on Wednesday, April 3, Dr. John Kwakye, Director of Research at IEA Ghana, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the prevailing challenges in the energy sector, particularly the periodic power outages.
“The solution should address legacy debts, enhance efficiency at the Electricity Company of Ghana, reduce high distribution losses, improve bill collections, eliminate illegal connections, and transition to legitimate cost recovery tariffs,” he stated.
Dr. Kwakye’s remarks were prompted by President Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address delivered on February 27 and the Monetary Policy Committee decision of the Bank of Ghana, led by Governor Dr. Ernest Addisson, on March 25.
Meanwhile, John Jinapor, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, announced that Ghana has officially halted the provision of electrical power to its West African neighbors, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.